Beckett Sennecke’s Hat Trick Lifts Ducks Over Flames in OT Thriller
CALGARY - The Anaheim Ducks are rolling, and rookie Beckett Sennecke just gave them another reason to believe.
The 19-year-old right winger capped off his first career NHL hat trick in style, burying the overtime winner to lift the Ducks to a 4-3 win over the Calgary Flames on Sunday night. It was the kind of performance that not only cements Sennecke’s name in the rookie-of-the-year conversation but also shows just how dangerous this Ducks team is becoming.
With the victory, Anaheim extended its winning streak to seven games - their second such streak this season - and pulled within a single point of the second-place Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division. The Ducks also hold a game in hand, setting the stage for a pivotal head-to-head matchup Monday night in Edmonton.
Sennecke’s Star is Rising
Sennecke’s three-goal night - goals No. 16, 17, and 18 on the season - vaulted him into the league lead in rookie goals and put him just two points behind Montreal’s Ivan Demidov in the overall rookie scoring race. With 41 points, the Toronto native is showing poise and production well beyond his years.
The overtime winner came on a textbook 2-on-1 rush. Sennecke elected to keep the puck, freezing Flames goalie Dustin Wolf with a quick release that beat him cleanly, tucking just inside the post. It was the kind of confident, decisive play that coaches love and opposing defenders dread.
Supporting Cast Stepping Up
Chris Kreider added the other goal for Anaheim, tying the game late in the third period and forcing overtime. Mikael Granlund and Alex Killorn each chipped in with two assists, providing veteran support on a night when the Ducks needed every ounce of offense.
Lukas Dostal was solid in net, turning aside 33 shots to improve to 19-12-2 on the season. His calm presence between the pipes has been a steadying force during Anaheim’s recent surge.
Flames Show Fight, But Fall Short
For Calgary, it was a night of mixed emotions. The Flames snapped a three-game stretch in which they had scored just one goal per game, finding the net three times - including the first NHL goal from rookie defenseman Hunter Brzustewicz. Jonathan Huberdeau also ended a 10-game goalless drought with his ninth of the season, and Matt Coronato briefly gave Calgary a third-period lead.
But despite the offensive spark, the Flames couldn't close the deal. Their winless streak stretched to four games (0-2-2), and they continue to search for consistency in the wake of recent roster changes, including the departure of defenseman Rasmus Andersson.
Wolf, making his 38th appearance of the season, made 17 saves but was left exposed on the game-winner. He dropped to 15-21-2 with the loss.
Tough Breaks and Turning Points
It was a milestone night for Ducks defenseman Jackson LaCombe, who skated in his 200th NHL game, but it didn’t start the way he’d hoped. Both of Calgary’s first-period goals took unfortunate deflections off him - one off his skate, the other off his stick - as the Flames jumped out to a 2-0 lead just eight minutes in.
Still, Anaheim stayed composed and clawed back, showing the kind of resilience that’s become a hallmark of their recent run. Kreider’s third-period equalizer at 13:08 was the turning point, setting up the dramatic overtime finish.
Ducks Making History
This marks the first time since the 2014-15 season that Anaheim has recorded multiple seven-game winning streaks. That year, they went on to win the Pacific Division and made a deep playoff run - and while there’s still plenty of hockey left, this current group is starting to look like it has some of that same magic.
What’s Next
The Ducks head to Edmonton for a crucial divisional matchup Monday night, with a chance to leapfrog the Oilers in the standings. It’s a game that could have major implications down the stretch.
The Flames, meanwhile, will try to regroup before heading to Minnesota to face the Wild on Thursday.
If Sennecke and the Ducks keep playing like this, the Pacific Division race is about to get a whole lot more interesting.